API & Platform Startup Benchmarks 2026
Based on data from 66 startups in The Founders' Group network.
Key Metrics
Median MRR
$2K
Monthly recurring revenue
Median ARR
$50K
Annual recurring revenue
Median Burn Rate
N/A
Monthly cash burn
Median Runway
18 mo
Months of runway remaining
Avg Team Size
2.7
Full-time team members
Median LTV:CAC
N/A
Lifetime value to acquisition cost
Avg Gross Margin
77.1%
Revenue after COGS
% With Revenue
31.8%
Startups generating revenue
% Profitable
1.5%
Startups currently profitable
Avg YoY Growth
N/A
Year-over-year revenue growth
Grade Distribution
A
18 (27%)
B
30 (45%)
C
12 (18%)
D
4 (6%)
F
2 (3%)
Top Cities
HoustonBaltimoreSamsunBangaloreLas Vegas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many API & Platform startups are in the benchmark?
Our benchmarks are based on 66 API & Platform startups in The Founders' Group network. Data is refreshed regularly as new startups join.
What metrics matter most for API & Platform startups?
Key metrics include MRR growth rate, burn rate relative to runway, and unit economics (LTV:CAC ratio). The specific thresholds vary by funding stage — pre-seed founders should focus on product-market fit signals, while seed-stage startups need strong retention and growth rates.
How are grades calculated?
Grades are based on a composite score across 6 tiers: Survival & Truth (revenue, burn, runway), Engine Health (LTV, CAC, unit economics), Retention (churn, NRR), Growth Efficiency (MoM/YoY growth), Market & Narrative (TAM, competition), and Traction & Team. Each tier is weighted and the final score maps to a letter grade.
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